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WYLIE BOUNCES BACK IN STYLE WITH TWO ROSTRUM CLASS PLACINGS

Ross Wylie achieved two excellent third in class placings in the latest rounds of the Volkswagen Scirocco R-Cup at the Nürburgring in Germany this weekend (17-18 August).

The 21-year-old from Thornhill had endured a recent barren spell in the German and also UK Volkswagen series after posting highly impressive results in both early on in his debut season of the highly competitive VW championships.

A series of accidents in which Wylie was blameless combined with unfortunate mechanical issues tested the resolve of the Scottish youngster who is competing in car circuit racing for only a second year.

But showing great composure and resolute self-belief during this “character-building” period, Wylie expelled the demons in style at the Nürburgring.

Ross lined-up sixth overall on the grid for Saturday’s first race around the 2.25-mile track and held position throughout in the shortened 11-lap event.

“The opening race on Saturday was a solid result,” reflected Wylie. “It was a very tough and close race but it was just so satisfying after all or my recent problems to finally get a clean race and score points finishing third in the Junior Cup and sixth overall.”

In the second race that ran to the full 14-laps the following day, Wylie started third overall on the 17-car grid and staved off intense pressure until the penultimate lap, Ross taking fourth overall – just 2.1secs behind the winner – but importantly third once again in the Junior Cup.

Ross concluded: “My pace is getting better and I am learning all of the time which is important and enables me to make small but vital steps forward.”

The Nürburgring races for the natural gas-powered Sciroccos featured “guest” drivers, former world rally “legends” Markku Alén and Juha Kankkunen plus ex-Formula One drivers Christian Danner and Emanuele Pirro.

The weekend’s results moved Wylie up three places to fifth in the “Junior” category. The next races in the Volkswagen Scirocco R-Cup are held at Oschersleben, Germany, over 14-15 September but Ross spectates at Knockhill next weekend (24-25 August) at the British Touring Car Championship meeting.

Also on the Knockhill programme is the Celtic Speed Scottish Mini Cooper Cup in which Ross finished fifth last year.